Exodus 21:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A master who kills a servant through beatings must be punished, establishing that servants have legal protection against lethal violence.
The Context of Exodus 21:20
Masters are legally accountable for servant deaths from beatings
What Does Exodus 21:20 Mean?
Even a master's legal authority over servants has limits. If a master strikes a servant or maidservant with a rod and the servant dies as a result, the master faces sure punishment. This law recognizes that ownership of a person does not grant unlimited power over their life.
The principle asserts that servants remain human beings whose deaths matter morally and legally. A master cannot kill with impunity; he must answer for lethal force, showing that God's justice protects the vulnerable even against those with power over them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:20
What does Exodus 21:20 mean?
A master who kills a servant through beatings must be punished, establishing that servants have legal protection against lethal violence.
What is the context of Exodus 21:20?
Masters are legally accountable for servant deaths from beatings